Today’s “Gas Stations” Offer More Than Just Gas

Today’s trend towards gas stations offering a whole lot more than just gas must be the Buc-ee’s chain which just announced plans in June 2021 to build the world’s largest convenience store with 74,000-square feet.

The Buc-ee’s Family Travel Center is slated for Sevierville, Tenn., which will break the record for world’s largest convenience store currently held by the chain’s 66,335-square feet store in New Braunfels, Texas.

And while the Buc-ee’s will certainly have gas pumps – a whopping 120 fueling stations – it will also feature everything else the brand is famous for from Beaver nuggets to homemade fudge to fresh pastries to some of the largest and cleanest restrooms in the world.

“Our goal is to be the first stop on everyone’s Smoky Mountain adventures – and Buc-ee’s is the perfect partner to ensure we give our customers a great beginning to their family vacation. This is a business about excellence in customer experience with a huge fan following,” said Kituwah CEO Mark Hubble, who is partnering with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) to build the 200-acre development which will be anchored by the mega Buc-ee’s.

Beaver Swag: Buc-ee’s Cult Following

To get a glimpse on how a convenience store chain such as Buc-ee’s can become a brand that means more than just gas, look at the first Florida store that opened in St. Augustine in March.

Gov. Ron DeSantis attended the groundbreaking of the 52,600-square foot store on nearly 14 acres. This new Buc-ee’s features:

• 392 parking spots
• 104 fueling stations
• Food offerings that include barbeque brisket sandwiches, jerky, roasted nuts and kolaches
• Home décor section
• Buc-ee’s beaver mascot on souvenirs ranging from t-shirts to boogie boards
• And bathrooms for humans and their dogs, with three pet relief areas

“All the swag alone, makes me see why Buc-ee’s has a cult following,” wrote WKMG-TV’s Haley Coomes.

From Bowling Alleys to Trucking Museums

Gas stations and convenience stores for years have been roadside attractions and many today are sometimes the destination and not just a waypoint for weary travelers.

“In more recent times, c-stores have added unusual amenities, products, services or gimmicks to capture the attention of customers and become a destination,” wrote Greg Lindenberg in CSP Daily.

Among the unique gas stations and convenience stores across the U.S. include:

• TravelCenters of America Columbia Petro Stopping Center in South Carolina features a 16-lane bowling alley, a 6,700-square foot arcade gaming area, two golf and gun-range simulators, a 76-seat Starbucks, and a 276-seat Quaker Steak & Lube restaurant.
• Pops 66 in Arcadia, Okla., has gas but is better known for its soda with more than 700 varieties of regional and national brands available. Business meetings, birthday parties and baby showers have been held at Pops 66.
• Cookin’ From Scratch Phillips 66 gas station and convenience store in Doolittle, Mo. features a King of the Road Burger Challenge where diners have 66 minutes to down a 66-ounce burger meal that includes nine slices of cheese and 1.5 pounds of French fries.
• Al’s Oasis in Oacoma, S.D. is designed to look like an Old West town and has a hotel, campground, supermarket, multiple gift shops, a restaurant, a convenience store, and of course, gas pumps.
• Native Roots in Colorado Springs, Col. became the country’s first “gas and grass” merchant with a combination convenience store and marijuana dispensary.

And finally, we come to Iowa 80 in Walcott, which is billed as the World’s Largest Truck Stop and called by some as “Trucker’s Disneyland”. Earlier this month, Iowa 80 hosted more than 44,000 people for the 42nd Annual Walcott Truckers Jamboree which drew fans from 22 states.

All told, Iowa 80 offers eight restaurants, a convenience store, a gift shop, Super Truck Showroom, barber shop, chiropractor, dentist, movie theater, workout room, laundry, private showers, pet wash, trucking museum … and yes gas and diesel pumps.

Contact PWM today to find out how our LED signs can help showcase your gas station and convenience store unique offerings.